HB2347 clarifies the definition of so-called “spring blade” knives (switchblades) so as to clearly make assisted-opening knives legal in the state. This allows for both sale and manufacture of assisted-opening knives in Washington. HB2347 also makes it legal to manufacture switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, it would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of switchblades to members of the military and full-time first responders.

Thanks, again, to Mike Vellekamp of Fox Knives USA for his work on this important bill.

HB2347 clarifies the definition of so-called “spring blade” knives (switchblades) so as to clearly make assisted-opening knives legal in the state. This allows for both sale and manufacture of assisted-opening knives in Washington. HB2347 also makes it legal to manufacture switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, it would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of switchblades to members of the military and full-time first responders.

Thanks, again, to Mike Vellekamp of Fox Knives USA for his work on this important bill.

February 9, 2012: The Washington state House of Representative voted unanimously to pass HB2347 that would clarify the definition of so-called “spring blade” knives (switchblades) so as to clearly make assisted-opening knives legal in the state. This allows for both sale and manufacture of assisted-opening knives in Washington. HB2347 also makes it legal to manufacture switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, it would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of switchblades to members of the military and full-time first responders.

Senate Bill 6179 was passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Session last week with a single no vote. An effort will now be made to conform the similar, but not identical, Senate bill to the House bill by a floor amendment, which would allow for quicker passage. Alternatively, the two bills end up crossing each other, but either way, we are hopeful a bill will end up on the desk of Washington Governor Christine Gregoire for her signature before too long.

While Knife Rights does not believe there should be any distinction between citizens and government employees when it comes to possessing life saving tools, we also understand political reality. We will be working with Washington state residents and officials to change this in the future when the political landscape is more favorable to such a rational move forward.

Meanwhile, the current bills are a huge step forward for Washington knife owners who might be subject to prosecution for assisted-opening knives and for knife manufacturers located in the state.

February 1, 2012: On Monday, January, 30th, the amended version of HB 2347 passed the House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote. Now it moves to the Rules Committee. Meanwhile, SB 6179 has been scheduled for Senate Judiciary Committee Executive Session for today, where it is expected to be amended in like manner and likely pass out of the committee.

Last week, on January 25, Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs gave testimony at the state capitol in Olympia, Washington, in support of two similar pro-knife bills. Senate Bill 6179 and House Bill 2347 would clarify the definition of a switchblade so as to not include assisted-opening knives that are currently adversely interpreted as being illegal in the state. These bills also make it legal to manufacture spring-assisted and switchblade knives in the state of Washington. In addition, they would expand the existing law enforcement exemption for possession of “spring blade knives” (switchblades) to members of the military and full-time first responders.

Knife Rights worked with Washington knife manufacturers, Fox USA, Blade-Tech, and SOG, to make necessary changes to ensure the bills would accomplish their aims. Although testimony was cut short because there was no opposition and a packed agenda, Todd was also able to get on the record in both houses stating KR’s strong support for these measures.

Initially, HB 2347 was drafted with a provision which would allow Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holders to carry switchblades, while the Senate bill did not include this provision. We are disappointed that this provision did not survive the hearing. Unfortunately, it was made clear that if it was retained, the bill would not pass out of committee.Ultimately, HB 2347 was amended in executive session to strike the provision allowing CPL holders to possess automatic knives (the bill has not yet been updated on the House web site, but you can see it if you go into the committee materials).

While Knife Rights does not believe there should be any distinction between citizens and government employees when it comes to possessing life saving tools, we also understand political reality. We will be working with Washington state residents and officials to change this in the future when the political landscape is more favorable to such a rational move forward.

Meanwhile, the current bills are a huge step forward for Washington knife owners who might be subject to prosecution for assisted-opening knives and for knife manufacturers located in the state. Passage of either of these bills would create skilled, well-paid jobs, generate tax revenue for the state and increase the number of knives that say “Made in America.”

We would like to recognize Mike Vellekamp, one of the owners of Fox Knives USA, who spearheaded the effort to get these bills going. If it were not for his initiative and hard work, things would not be moving forward for knife owners and manufacturers in Washington state.

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Knife Rights

KnifeRights.org serves as the web site for both 501(c)(4) Knife Rights, Inc. and 501(c)(3) Knife Rights Foundation, Inc. The advocacy portions of KnifeRights.org are the sole responsibility of Knife Rights, Inc.